“There are more deer in Vermont than there have been in recent years, with the greatest numbers of deer found in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the state,” said Deer Project Leader Nick Fortin.

During this season, a hunter may take one buck with at least one antler having two or more points one inch or longer.

Vermont’s regular hunting licenses, including a November rifle season buck tag and a late season bear tag (for Nov. 10-18), cost $26 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Licenses are available on Fish & Wildlife’s website and from license agents statewide.

In addition, the 2018 Vermont Deer Hunting Guide can be downloaded from the department’s website at vtfishandwildlife.com. It includes a map of the state’s Wildlife Management Units, hunting season dates, regulations and other helpful information.

Hunters who get a deer on opening weekend of rifle season can help Vermont’s deer management program by reporting their deer at a biological check station that will be staffed Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless the store closes earlier.

The only station in Chittenden County is the Jericho General Store in Jericho.

Biologists are collecting middle incisor teeth from November season deer in order to evaluate regional differences in ages of bucks as well as to help estimate population size, growth rate, health, and mortality rates. Each tooth will be cross-sectioned to accurately determine the deer’s age, and the results will be posted on the Fish & Wildlife website next spring.

Hunters who don’t make it to a biological reporting station can obtain a tooth envelope from their regular reporting agent to send in their sample.

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